SSC ASO 2026 syllabus and exam pattern is out. Since this is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE), the paper structure is different from SSC’s open-recruitment exams like CGL or CHSL — it’s built around office administration, service rules, and drafting, not general aptitude. Last updated: 06.07.2026.
SSC ASO 2026 exam pattern
| Stage | Paper | Marks | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I — Computer Based Exam | Paper I | 150 | Objective MCQ |
| Part I — Computer Based Exam | Paper II | 150 | Objective MCQ |
| Part II — Service Record Evaluation | APAR / Service Records | 100 | Evaluation, not a written test |
| Total merit | 400 | ||
The 300 marks from Paper I and Paper II decide who clears the exam stage; the remaining 100 marks come from evaluating each candidate’s Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) and service record, not from any test. Final selection is on combined merit — clearing the CBE alone doesn’t guarantee selection.
Marking scheme
- Both papers are objective, multiple-choice questions
- 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer, in both papers
- The exam must be attempted in English only
- Computer Based Examination conducted in Delhi-NCR only
SSC ASO 2026 syllabus — Paper I & Paper II
The syllabus follows CSMOP (Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure), which is the actual rulebook CSS/MEA officials work from — so questions are drawn from real administrative procedure rather than generic reasoning or GK.
| Area | CSMOP reference | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Dak and file management | Chapters 5 & 6 | Management of Dak receipts, file management system |
| Records management | Chapter 10 | Records classification, retention, weeding |
| Noting | Chapter 7 | Guidelines on noting practice |
| Communication and drafting | Chapters 8 & 9 | Forms, channels and procedure of communication; drafting official correspondence |
Since this is a promotion-based exam for serving CSS/MEA staff, most candidates are already familiar with these procedures from daily work — the exam mainly tests how precisely you know the written rules versus how the office actually operates day to day.
How to prepare
- Go through the latest CSMOP edition directly rather than third-party summaries — the exam draws questions from its exact chapters
- Revise noting and drafting formats since these carry practical weight beyond just the exam
- Practice objective-format questions on file/records management, since this differs from the descriptive noting most UDCs handle daily
For eligibility, dates, and how to apply, see the SSC ASO 2026 vacancy notification.
Important links
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
| SSC ASO 2026 Notification PDF | Official Notification (No. 4/2/2026-CONF-5) |
| SSC Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Last updated: 06.07.2026
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